M56 eastbound between junctions 12 and 14
Near Frodsham
Attendance
Three fire engines from Powey Lane, Runcorn and from Ellesmere Port, plus the Service's water bowser for water supply.
Details
North West Fire Control received multiple reports of a fire involving a large goods vehicle on the hard shoulder of the M56. The fire is causing a significant amount of thick smoke and crews have requested that both carriageways be closed while they deal with the incident. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reel water jets to tackle the blaze. Motorists are advised to avoid the area. Further updates to follow.
UPDATE 21:00 | Crews are making good progress in tackling the fire. Both carriageways remain closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area. It is likely firefighting operations will continue for some time. Further updates to follow.
UPDATE 22:00 | Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reel water jets to fully extinguish the fire. The smoke plume is now much-reduced. It is believed the vehicle was carrying a quantity of top soil and cardboard waste. The driver has been accounted for and is safe and well. The motorway is likely to remain closed for some time to come. Please refer to online traffic updates for further information.
UPDATE 22:15 | The police will shortly be reopening two lanes of the westbound carriageway with speed restrictions.
UPDATE 06:30 | By dragging the contents of the lorry onto the carriageway, crews were able to access the burning material and fully extinguish it. The vehicle was removed from the scene shortly before 03:00. We were in attendance for around seven and a half hours. This morning, one lane of the motorway eastbound remains closed to allow for resurfacing.
